Internationally renowned artist, Danny Hunt, will perform a number of thrilling performances – including his own creation, the “head trap,” and a Houdini inspired escape

Escapologist Danny Hunt will be performing at Southport Pleasureland as part of Ice Scream Sunday

An escapologist is set to showcase his scary stunts at Southport’s Ice Scream Sunday at Pleasureland this week.

Featuring as part of the resort’s arts festival is Danny Hunt, an escape and magical artist of international renown.

On Sunday he will perform a number of thrilling stunts – including his own creation, the “head trap,” (pictured) which involves him being padlocked in the contraption. He then has to escape before large spikes career into his head.

Danny first became interested in magic at the age of four when he was bought a Paul Daniels magic set, and began his life-long obsession with Houdini at the age of just eight.

On Sunday the 36-year-old will also recreate one of Houdini’s iconic escapes – by being strapped into a straight jacket and suspended upside down from a crane above the crowd while he tries to break free.

Escapologist Danny Hunt will be performing his escape from the "head trap"

Danny said: “There is nothing like doing an escape, it is a different sort of feeling. Hanging upside down it puts a lot of pressure on your body as all your blood rushes to your head – you feel like you have been hit by a bus afterwards. But I love it, I definitely get a kick. It is an interesting way to make a living.”

Danny also advises on TV programmes such as the BBC’s Sherlock Holmes series and the BAFTA winning, Help My Supply Teacher is Magical.

Southport’s Ice Cream Sunday has been organised by Pleasureland owner, Norman Wallis, a staunch supporter of the BID and a long-term investor in our town.

The theme park boss said he felt it was a natural step for him to involve Pleasureland in an event that will make up part of this years arts festival.

In addition to Danny Hunt’s thrilling performance, the festival’s music headliner Sa Da Ko – a Southport-grown rock band with a committed following – will also be on stage.

Norman Wallis at Southport Pleasureland

Norman said: “Ice Scream Sunday is a concept I came up with years ago and I’ve been saving it for the right time. Ice cream, screams of fun – it’s what we’re about at Pleasureland so it’s great to that out there during the arts festival.

“Southport has got everything going for it in terms of potential to grow into a world class destination, and I can already feel that people are becoming more optimistic about the town’s future.

“Doing things that get us on the radar are important. We loved the quirkiness of introducing the element of an escape stunt on a grand scale to the event.

“Danny’s one of the best in the game, internationally recognised, and so we’d argue that what he does is something of an art form in its own right.

“We’re picking up on what this town was built around. Entertainment, fun, and relaxation – and that culture is still an important contributor to the local economy.

“Celebrating it and doing more to encourage people to visit, and talk about their visit, can only be good for Southport businesses.”

Music at the free to enter event will start at 5pm with the entertainment running until 10pm.

The Editor

Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is the editor of the Southport Visiter, Midweek Visiter, Formby Times, Ormskirk Advertiser, Skelmersdale Advertiser, and the Crosby Herald. Andrew was born and bred in Southport - a true Sandgrounder. Andrew was one of the founders of Southport's Charity Fun Fest.